Asylum centre funding hole behind Beijing ‘ambush’ of Taiwan on Nauru

Andrew Tillett and Michael Smith

Updated Jan 16, 2024 – 3.41pm, first published at 12.59pm

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The Albanese government said Nauru did not ask for a financial handout from Australia to avoid switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, after Taiwanese officials claimed the move was prompted by a budget hole left after the island’s asylum seeker processing centre was scaled back.

Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said Nauru gave Canberra advanced notice it was establishing ties with China, which leaves Taiwan with just 12 countries that diplomatically recognise it, including three in the Pacific.

Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.

Michael Smith is the health editor for The Australian Financial Review. He is based in Sydney.